Animal-trap.



W. P. MANSFIELD; ANIMAL TRAP. APPLIOATION FILED JAN. 3, 1914.

I INVENTOR Way/M M T VZzZienP Patented Mar. 9, 1915.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WALTER P. MANSFIELD, OF KING CITY, CALIFORNIA.

ANIMAL-TRAP.

Application filed January 3,

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, WALTER P. MANS- FIELD, a citizen of the United States, residing at King City, in the county of Monterey and State of California, have invented new and useful Improvements in Animal-Traps, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to animal traps, and pertains particularly to spring traps of the character used for catching gophers, squirrels and the like.

The objects of the present invention are to provide a simple, practical spring trap which is easily and safely set without danger of the operator getting his hands caught in the trap while setting it, and which is easily released by the animal, and which will securely hold the animal when caught.

The invention consists of the parts and the combination and construction of parts as hereinafter more fully described and claimed, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which' Figure 1 is a perspective view of the trap in set position. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of same in sprung position.

A and B represent two coiiperating wire frames; each frame made of a continuous piece of stiff wire terminating at the front end in the respective coeperating jaws 3-4. The lower frame has at a suitable point between its ends and preferably near its middle, rigidly secured to it an upwardly extending bridge or fulcrum 5, made of wire and the upper frame B pivots centrally on this bridge 5. An extension coil spring 6 coiled about a cross bar 7 connecting the opposite sides of frame A, and having its ends connected to the frames B-A on the side of the bridge 5 opposite aws 34 acts on the frames to maintain the jaws 3-& normally closed.

7 are wire braces to hold the fulcrumed bridge 5 rigid.

The trap is inserted in a hole in the ground infested by the gopher, whereby the trap serves to close the hole, and places the trigger 8 in the direct path of the animal in Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 9, 1915.

1914. Serial No. 810,159.

the fulcrum member 5 and-the jaws 34;

wire frame 9 extending upwardly outside of the movable frame B and across the top of the latter, and in itself insuring always the proper alinement of the jaws 3--". The trigger plate 8 has a hook member 10 at its upper shorter end to engage under a cross piecell on the movable frame B when the jaws are open, and the lower end of the trigger has a perforation 12 to engage a slightly resilient sear or pin detent 13 on the stationary frame A to hold the trigger 8 and thereby the aw 3 set.

The trap is easily set by using the rear projecting portion of the frames AB behind the fulcrum 5 as a handle, not requiring the operator to work with his hands close to the jaws and run any danger from infection, or injury by the accidental slipping or release of the jaws. The trap is released by the animal pushing against the trigger plate 8.

Having thus described my invention what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patand adapted to be engaged by the sear to hold the jaws in set position.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

WALTER P. MANSFIELD.

Witnesses:

N. FORDEN, 1

E. W. Mnmnn.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the "Commissioner of Patents,

Washlngtomb. 0. 

